Digital Print for Food-Safe Packaging

Legislation and conclusion

Regulations vary globally. The European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) provides enhanced Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines for varnishes, coatings, and inks. The USFDA regulates food contact materials with the basic assumption that packaging materials will infiltrate food unless documented testing proves otherwise. Nestle Guidance Notes are widely revered as global industry benchmarks.

Ink manufacturers work with these agencies to document compliance. Screen’s LM Inks comply with the EuPIA’s Exclusion Policy for Printing Inks & Related Products (December 2018), Suitability List of Photo-Initiators for Low Migration UV Printing Inks and Varnishes (February 2013), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Printing Inks for Food Contact Materials (March 2016). It has also received positive list on Swiss Ordinance (SR 817.023.021 Annex 6, 10); and the Nestle Guidance Note on Packaging Inks (August 2016).

Ultimately, packaging manufacturers bear responsibility. Compliant solutions are a result of design, materials, construction, process, and product. Choosing the right OEM partner is the first step in demystifying these challenges.